Easy Family History Photo Tiles

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I love an easy DIY project. Mostly because I don’t have a lot of time for more in depth projects, and I don’t want to spend a lot of money. I’ve blogged before about displaying family history in your home, and this is another project that is easy, and will help you do just that!! I am going to walk you through how to put your beautiful family history photos onto tiles that you can display in your home.

Here are the materials you will need:

Photo (on photo paper, do not try to print a copy on your home printer)

6×6 tile

2 Coordinating scrapbooking papers

Mod Podge (found at any craft store)

Foam Brush

Ribbon

Mod Podge is the key to this easy, fun, and beautiful project. If you haven’t worked with it before, just know that it dries clear, and that is all you need to worry about! Smoothing out bubbles will be your biggest challenge in this project.

First, cut your scrapbooking papers down to 3.5 x 6 size. You will want them to overlap a little. Start by applying the paper that you want on the bottom first. Apply mod podge generously to where you are going to place the first paper. Use your finger to smooth out any bumps or bubbles. If necessary, apply additional mod podge on top of the paper to make it smooth. Remember, it will dry clear!

Next, apply more mod podge to the tile, and take your second piece of coordinating paper, and overlap it on the first making sure the edges line up to the edges of the tile. Smooth out bubbles, and then apply mod podge generously over both pieces of paper.

For a nice effect, cut your photo down to fit neatly in the middle of the tile. Place the photo on top of the mod podge before it dries completely. Move it around to make sure it is centered to where you want it to stay. Next, apply additional mod podge over the entire tile once again, including over the photograph. Do not worry, your photo will stay preserved, and it will dry clear. You need to take time to make sure there are no bumps or bubbles remaining. Just smooth out with your finger.

Allow about 2 hours for the mod podge to dry. Next, take some contrasting colored ribbon, and cut the length just slightly longer than the tile. Place the ribbon along
the bottom of the photograph, wrapping the edges around the tile. Hot glue the ribbon to the tile. If you wish, cut another different colored ribbon even longer, to where you can tie a bow with it over the first ribbon, and underneath the photograph to finish it off. Display the tile on a small wire easel. For this project, think about using different sized tiles, and photographs to display various members of your family tree clustered together on a mantel or table. It will be a beautiful focal point in your home!